Emmet County
Emmet County is located in the northern part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. It was established in 1853 and named after Irish patriot Robert Emmet. The county is known for its scenic landscapes, including the shores of Lake Michigan and numerous inland lakes, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The county spans approximately 467.5 square miles and has a population of about 34,072. The county seat is Petoskey, a city known for its historic architecture and proximity to the Little Traverse Bay.
Emmet County's judicial system comprises the Circuit, District, and Probate Courts. Emmet County Circuit Court is part of Michigan's 57th Circuit. It has jurisdiction over major civil and criminal cases, including felony trials, lesser-included offenses, civil cases involving claims exceeding $25,000, equity, and family law matters, including divorce, paternity, adoption, child protection, and juvenile proceedings. It also hears appeals from Administrative Agencies. Emmet County District Court handles misdemeanors, preliminary hearings for felony cases, small claims up to $6,500, civil cases with claims up to $25,000, traffic violations, and landlord-tenant disputes. The Probate Court oversees matters related to wills, testamentary trusts, estates, mental health cases, name changes, guardianship, and conservatorships, as well as certain juvenile cases.
Court records in Emmet County contain information on cases handled by the trial courts, such as judgments, motions, dispositions, witness lists, complaints, and names of involved parties. These records are maintained by designated court clerks and are generally public, consistent with the Michigan Freedom of Information. However, certain records, such as records on juvenile cases, certain family law records, and medical or sensitive personal data, are confidential and thereby exempt from public inspection. Common court records in the county include:
- Criminal records
- Civil records
- Traffic records
- Probate records
Residents can search court records via Michigan's Statewide Court Case Search platform, which provides free online access to non-confidential records. For physical copies or certified documents, requests can be made at the courthouse, with fees of $1.00 per page and $5 per document for certification. The courthouse can be reached at:
200 Division Street
Petoskey, MI 49770
Phone: (231) 348-1744
